Charville,
What a great post to read! What a great experience, and hope for the future!
Although I know absolutely nothing about autism and nothing about your family, maybe these two ideas could add to your collection.
If a child is 'quick', and even if they are not, I would keep many doors opening and watch to see which the child picks up on.
With my own boy, I found ways to walk him through the lobby of a fine hotel; eat something in a good restaurant or two; see the inside of a big library (and some small ones); visit a fire hall; sample some sports; do handwork; sample musical instruments; cook; and many more things.
The way that worked best was to simply be in places, and with people who do them, for a little while...to let him see a small way in, for him, if it looked attractive.
It worked! There are few places he would not go, from shyness, at age 36...and he found many things that interest him.
Buying him stuff, before he asked, didn't, I think because he could not yet see the value of most gifts...where they would lead.
I'll never forget the original movie, 'Blue Lagoon' (the one with Jean Simmons).
Because that film had been one of his dad's first, we had our boy come into our bed to see it on late TV.
Much later, when he heard there was another of our old favorites on late TV, he said, "Mom, you get the licorice all-sorts, and I'll get the quilt." I knew that the experience was important to him. I like to think that small event was instrumental in the way he treats his family today...maybe even influencing his whole life.
I think we never know what will please a child, and guide them...that it's only important to expose them to a wide variety of interesting pursuits...in such a way as they can take up a corner, easily, to see if they like it...even if they don't continue. If they don't continue, the equipment, etc., is quietly stored and enthusiasm in other things is gently nurtured.
It's the enthusiasm that is so valuable, in my opinion. Let the child show that, on their own, when they are ready.
I need to go make rice pudding for dh, now...he loves it so. Back soon.
Pudding is started.
Now, I must confess that I finally got into my bath in a 1% solution of H. crystal mineral salts.
:D
I recently did the egg yolks, lime juice, oil thingy, for three days in a row. I'm not sure it was that, and the fact that my pet gallstone had moved back to the far outside end of the gallbladder...and that I was feeling quite 'toxic'/bilious, and more...that I just 'did' it.
Shower first, and wash hair...then fill the tub with body temperature water (no hot left), pour in the box of salts, and lie down.
Hah! Lying down was easy...it was the getting out that was hilarious.
I flopped around for about a half hour, sinking every part of me, in turn...even my head and face...and melting most of the mineral salts...some grit left in the bottom which I figure was quartz.
Then I struggled to get a leg under me, to get out, after the tub had drained.
I called dh to steady me so I wouldn't topple over. One loses all pride in situations like that. I haven't taken a lie-down bath for about three years...just because of 'getting out'.
Some have said that bath can bring on a 'high'...I'm still waiting. All I felt was as though I had taken off some kind of tight body-suit.
I felt like I used to feel...and lighter.
Since, I 'know' that some toxins have gone, but I feel no 'high', just better...like I've rejoined the human race. (I was away so long!)
The veins on my hands and arms that stood out so prominently, are less. Isn't that amazing?! And I feel as smooth as a baby, all over.
I keep noticing other small things, too...like the gallstone was pressing to move out...not just there and feeling like an obstruction, but nearly ready to come away.
Cleansing, as I am beginning to experience it, is not an 'event', but some kind of accumulation of small improvements...like getting younger.
If this, or any other procedure helps your little one, as they most surely are...I'd like to think that 'autism' will fade slowly, and become unimportant...maybe never to be mentioned or thought of again.
For her, I think that would be the happiest way...no matter what doctors have 'labeled' her.
She is just herself...beautiful in every way...as is...a flower blossoming.
I think you are a fine Mom...and really smart.
My very best to you all.
Fledgling